This is a story many of us can relate to. The main character, Max, is a child who is filled with mischief/defiance ends up in conflict with his mother. He is sent to his room and deals with his angry emotions with a colourful journey through fantasy. This eventually helps him calm down and he returns to reality...the love of his mother.

One of our favorite books. It acknowledges that deep down, kids know that those who love them are the ones who want what's best for them.

I adore this book! "Let the wild rumpus begin" : )

I had this read to me and read while growing up. I love this book and finally re-read it now and remember the imagination I used to have while reading books with kewl pictures.

My 4 year old likes it, although it's just a basic story. There are others I enjoy more, but I do enjoy reading it with him because I remember my mom reading it to me as a kid.

Just a tad overrated. My three-year old was indifferent to this, he's probably too young to appreciate the subtleties of the illustrations. I've seen reviews of this book that were concurrent with the recent Hollywood movie version that essentally compared it to Tolstoy. Sheesh! It's a pleasant enough children's book. End of story.

vickiz, thank-you so much for posting the link to Yann Martel's website! What a fascinating project to follow.

This is the 61st of a series of titles selected by writer Yann Martel to provide to Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper, to encourage an appreciation of the arts and literature in particular in the PM, and to also help him with his stillness and thoughtfulness. Martel has regularly sent books from a wide range of literary traditions to Harper. Martel has devoted a Web site to the reading list and his kind and considered covering letters with each volume. Martel has never received a direct acknowledgement from Harper, and only recently some fairly form-letter responses from Harper's staff. He has, however, received a response (although not directly related to one of his book selections for Harper) from Industry Minister Tony Clement. Martel's meditation on both Where the Wild Things Are and companion inclusion In the Night Kitchen, both written and illustrated by Maurice Sendak, is very moving, especially in light of his (Martel's, that is) very recent new fatherhood. All of his letters can be read at http://www.whatisstephenharperreading.ca/.

The winner of the calldcote medal

Nothing like coming home to a warm meal. A fantastic read!